We all have a different idea about what the perfect family holiday should look like. For some it’s the perfectly well behaved children playing on the beach while mom and dad sip cocktails with colourful umbrellas. For others it’s getting dirty together, and experiencing new cultures and tastes. Whatever your perfect family holiday looks like, we’re sure it includes making memories that you can talk and laugh about for years to come. When you’re on holiday, children usually aren’t as interested in museums and guided tours as adults.
The memories that will stick with them are the simple, yet unusual things that adults may take for granted. Like drinking from a coconut, kayaking into a cave, or eating fried insects on a stick! When it comes to quality family activities, great accommodation, delicious food and all the adventure you could dream of, Phuket ticks all the boxes. Here’s why we think Phuket is the perfect family holiday destination, and how you can make the most of it.
What’s great about Phuket?
The island is surrounded by postcard pretty beaches. White sand and warm turquoise waters attract tourists from all over the world who come to soak up the abundant sunshine and enjoy the Thai hospitality. Thai food is incredible. In fact, you can’t really claim to have enjoyed Thai food until you’ve tried it in Thailand. Street food stalls serve up deliciously cold, fresh tropical fruit with a dusting of sugar, delectable Phad Thai, or glorious pancakes with chocolate spread and fresh banana.
Spend your days on the beach or in the water
Thailand’s warm water and weather make the beach an obvious family activity. With plenty of water activities like snorkelling, canoeing, or island hopping by speedboat, there’s enough to keep you busy and keep the kids entertained. Taking small children on a long island hopping cruise can be tiresome, but there are plenty of other entertaining beach activities. What could be better than building a giant sandcastle, or taking a canoe trip with dad?
Island adventure in the treetops or on a quadbike
The best holiday stories are told and retold with just the slightest exaggeration added every time. Soar through the tree tops 40 metres above the jungle floor at the Flying Hanuman zipline in Kathu. Or grab a helmet and set off on an adrenalin fuelled excursion as you explore swamps, plantations and jungles on an all-terrain quadbike. “Remember that time we went on those quad bike through the jungle and there was a giant puddle of mud and you just went flying clear over it?”
Visit the Phuket aquarium or bird park
For those tiny travellers who are too young to snorkel, the aquarium is the perfect place to see beautiful tropical fish and even sea turtles. At the bird park, you can get up close and personal with tropical feathered friends from all around the world. There is even an extremely smart parrot that shows off his math skills three times a day in the amphitheatre. You have to see it to believe it!
What you should know before you go
It’s so important to choose the right hotel or resort. We’ve made a list of our favourite resorts that we think are perfect for a family holiday. We like them for many reasons ranging from gorgeous views, water slides, spas, pools, or a complementary babysitting service. (Because parents deserve some alone time, even on a family holiday) - take a look at our picks here
Drink bottled water, not tap water. Your hotel should supply you with bottled water every day, and if that is not sufficient there are many corner stores where you can buy water. Make sure you stay hydrated! Get in touch if you need more information
If there is anything else you would like to know about travelling to Thailand or Phuket with your family, stop by a Flight Centre store and talk to one of our consultants, or give us a call, we love making your travel dreams come true.
